Julius Caersar - Analysis of Brutus

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Introduction

Julius Caersar - Analysis of Brutus In the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the character Marcus Brutus fits the definition of the tragic hero. Like other tragic heroes, he had great promise, ability, and integrity of character. He had a tragic flaw. He had a lust for power, and he died at the end of the play. Brutus had great promise, ability, and strength of character. The fact that he could single-handedly take over the group of conspirators, and completely overrule Cassius demonstrates his strength of character, and his influence on others. Brutus's tragic flaw was that he was too trusting. He frankly and honestly felt that he had had to kill Caesar in order to save Rome from tyranny. He trusted Antony not to blame the conspirators in his speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony broke that promise and got Brutus and the others into deep trouble. Brutus also trusted Cassius. Cassius only asked Brutus to be a part of the conspiracy as a way of getting closer to Caesar. He never suspected that Brutus would take over the group and become their leader. Cassius thought that he was getting someone to lead the men, but that he would still be the head man. Brutus, however, took all power away from Cassius, and Cassius no longer had any say in the happenings of the group. Brutus had a conscience. It was obvious that Brutus felt terrible about Caesar's death, but he felt that it was the only way to keep peace in Rome. ...read more.

Middle

Brutus also declares to himself that his role in the conspiracy is to save Rome. He says to the people that, "If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more."(Act 3,scene 2,ll.21-24). If Brutus was not in the plot of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, the conspiracy would probably not have worked. Since Brutus "...loved Rome more."(Act 3,scene2, ll.23-24), he decided to be a part of the conspiracy. If he hadn't loved Rome more than Caesar, he would not have joined in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Cassius and the rest of the conspirators would probably not have continued on without Brutus because they would have no "insurance" afterwards. The people would think that there was no reason for Caesar's death and most likely beheaded all the conspirators. Also, if Brutus was not in the play, the whole end of the play would not ever occur. Brutus would not be there to have an army or kill himself, and Cassius will already be beheaded. If Brutus was not in the play, the title would have absolutely no meaning. Marcus Brutus was a good friend to Julius Caesar, but not good enough. He had moral values dealing with Rome and its people. Brutus' values then made him join a conspiracy against Caesar put together by Cassius. Brutus joined this mainly because he didn't want Caesar to turn his back on Rome so there would be a reasonable reason for killing Caesar. ...read more.

Conclusion

Brutus also feels that Caesar is being given too much power and will destroy Rome's democracy. Brutus' reason for killing Caesar is to benefit Rome, he proves this when he states"If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more." After losing to Mark Antony and Octavious, Brutus runs onto his own sword. He sticks to his beliefs, not altering them for others. Cassius is the leader of the conspirators. He is jealous of the power that Caesar holds and wants for himself. Caesar says that Cassius"...Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks to much. Such men are dangerous.", meaning that he looks sneaky and is not to be trusted. The whole idea to kill Caesar begins with Cassius, he convinces the other Senators to do as he wishes. Cassius commits suicide because he is afraid of what will happen to him if Mark Antony and Octavius find him. Another reason for his suicide is because he believes that his men have lost the battle and he does not want to face the consequences. Brutus is the more honorable man because he continues to act upon his beliefs. He never gives in to the ideas of others forced upon him, like Cassius' idea to kill Caesar because of jealousy and to receive power from the act. Brutus stated that his role in Caesar's murder was to help Rome not himself specifically. Even his enemy Mark Antony says of him "This was the noblest Roman of them all." To be known as honorable by your enemies is to definitely be an honorable man ...read more.

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